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The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86, powered by the FA20 engine, have captured the hearts of car enthusiasts with their lightweight design and thrilling performance. However, many owners seek to unlock even more power from their vehicles. In this article, we will break down the costs associated with enhancing the BRZ FA20’s performance to achieve a boost of over 50 horsepower.
Understanding the FA20 Engine
The FA20 engine is a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that is known for its balance of power and efficiency. While it provides a solid foundation for performance, there are several modifications that can significantly increase horsepower. Understanding these modifications and their costs is essential for any BRZ owner looking to enhance their ride.
Key Performance Modifications
- Cold Air Intake: Increases airflow to the engine, improving combustion efficiency.
- Cat-Back Exhaust System: Enhances exhaust flow, allowing the engine to breathe better.
- Tune: Optimizes engine parameters for increased power and efficiency.
- Turbocharger or Supercharger: Provides significant power increases by forcing more air into the engine.
- Headers: Improves exhaust flow from the engine, reducing back pressure.
Cold Air Intake
A cold air intake is one of the most popular modifications for the FA20 engine. It replaces the factory air intake system and allows cooler, denser air to enter the engine. This modification can provide a horsepower gain of around 5-10 HP.
Cost: Typically ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the brand and design.
Cat-Back Exhaust System
A cat-back exhaust system replaces the exhaust components from the catalytic converter back to the tailpipe. This modification improves exhaust flow and can enhance both horsepower and sound. Expect gains of around 5-15 HP with this upgrade.
Cost: Generally costs between $600 and $1,200, depending on the material and brand.
Tuning the Engine
After making modifications, tuning the engine is crucial to maximize performance. A proper tune adjusts the air-fuel ratio and ignition timing, which can lead to gains of 10-20 HP. This can be done via an ECU reflash or a standalone engine management system.
Cost: Tuning typically costs between $300 and $800.
Turbocharger or Supercharger
For those seeking substantial power increases, adding a turbocharger or supercharger is the way to go. These forced induction systems can provide a significant boost in horsepower, often exceeding 50 HP. However, they require additional supporting modifications.
Cost: Turbocharger kits can range from $3,000 to $7,000, while supercharger kits typically fall in a similar price range.
Headers
Upgrading to performance headers can improve exhaust flow and reduce back pressure, leading to additional horsepower gains of around 5-10 HP. This modification is often paired with other exhaust upgrades for optimal results.
Cost: Headers usually cost between $500 and $1,500.
Estimated Total Costs
Now that we’ve outlined the individual costs of each modification, let’s summarize the estimated total costs for achieving a 50+ HP boost in the BRZ FA20:
- Cold Air Intake: $200 – $500
- Cat-Back Exhaust: $600 – $1,200
- Tuning: $300 – $800
- Turbocharger/Supercharger: $3,000 – $7,000
- Headers: $500 – $1,500
Total Estimated Cost: $4,600 – $12,000
Conclusion
Enhancing the performance of the Subaru BRZ FA20 to achieve over 50 HP is an exciting journey for any car enthusiast. By carefully selecting modifications and understanding their costs, owners can make informed decisions that align with their performance goals and budget. Whether opting for simple bolt-ons or more extensive forced induction systems, the BRZ can be transformed into a more powerful and exhilarating driving machine.